During a key moment in the first 2024 presidential debate, President Donald Trump joked that Vice President Kamala Harris deserved a “MAGA hat” due to her shift on key policy positions. Trump noted that Harris, since her 2019 presidential campaign, has moved closer to his views on several issues.
“Everything she believed back then is out the window. She’s adopting my philosophy now. I was going to send her a MAGA hat,” Trump said, eliciting laughter from Harris and the audience.
Harris defended herself in a post-debate interview with CNN, claiming that her core values have not changed. She insisted that her goals, like combating climate change and improving border security, have remained consistent throughout her career, despite Trump’s remarks.
The debate, held in Philadelphia and moderated by ABC’s David Muir and Linsey Davis, featured multiple exchanges between Trump and Harris. Trump frequently criticized Harris for her lack of action as vice president, asking why she hasn’t delivered on her promises.
“Why hasn’t she done it?” Trump asked several times, referring to Harris’ inability to address major issues like immigration and economic recovery during her time in office.
As the campaigns move forward, the possibility of another debate between Trump and Harris remains unclear, though another round could occur in October.
